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Our family law attorneys have helped hundreds of families get through difficult times. Don't take our word for it, read testimonials from our past clients to get an idea of how we can help your family get through this difficult time.

“Molly and her staff supported me completely through a drawn out divorce. My ex and his lawyer did everything they could to bleed me dry and drag the proceedings out. Molly is extremely compassionate and professional. I highly recommend her.”

Molly is rated AV - the highest possible rating- by her peers through the Martindale and Hubble rating process and has been recognized as a Superb Family Law attorney and Client's Choice 2012 by Avvo.com.

Molly has also been named by Seattle Met Magazine as one of Seattle's top family law attorneys.

Tatyana received her B.S., cum laude from the University of Washington in 1999 and her J.D. from the University of Washington School of Law in 2002. Washington Law & Politics magazine has selected Tatyana as a "Rising Star" for four consecutive years, from 2009 through 2012. Tatyana practices in the areas of Family Law and Employment Law.

Stacey Smythe has over 24 years of experience in representing Northwest clients in cases ranging from divorce (amicable and high-conflict), modifications, child custody, paternity, child support and domestic violence. Additionally I have experience to provide counsel in drafting Wills, Complete Estate Planning consultation and Probate Administration.

Getting a divorce is rarely a simple process; instead, divorce can be drawn out, contested, and emotional. What’s more, disputes over possessions, child custody, and a fair spousal maintenance are also standard. If you think that you don’t need a lawyer during your divorce process, here’s why planning for divorce rarely works out, and why the help of a legal advocate may be essential.

Disputes Over Child Custody

For those who have children, one of the most frequent arguments that couples face is with whom will maintain custody of the children and where they will live. Working out a custody schedule and parenting plan can be very difficult for couples, and often, one partner may change his or her mind entirely.

For example, you and your spouse may have agreed that you holding sole custody is best. However, once things start getting packed up and his or her time with the kids grows shorter and shorter, feelings of isolation and loss can appear, translating to increased fighting in court.

Emotions and Animosity

Another reason that divorce rarely works out how you envision it, is that some people don’t deal with their emotions immediately. Reactionary people will likely suffer as soon as divorce is mentioned. People who were raised to approach problems objectively will likely seem calm and composed as plans for divorce begin but as time progresses, will need to deal with feelings. This is not a bad thing but can color how one views negotiations that were perhaps previously verbally agreed-upon.

As both halves of the couple adjust to new lifestyles, if the specifics of the divorce are not legally documented, anger and resentment can surface and make a previously planned outcome seem unfair. Friends or relatives may suggest to your ex that his or her situation is unfair and s/he should get more: money, time with the kids, etc. With no legal framework in place this can lead to ongoing discussions and fights, hampering one’s opportunity move on.

Hiding Assets

In some cases, one partner in the marriage may try to hide assets from the other partner and the court to avoid division of property, child support, or alimony payments. While you may think that your spouse is happily revealing all assets to a court, financial infidelity is a real problem. As of this point you each are on your own and have to look out for your own well-being. Divorce lawyers can do detective work to look for hidden assets.

How an Attorney Can Help

In rare cases, a person and ex-spouse may be able to work out everything on their own without a third party. In the majority of instances, though, a lawyer is a core part of reaching a fair divorce agreement. From understanding community property and spousal maintenance laws to parenting plans and other things that you’re entitled in a divorce, hiring an attorney is within your best interest.

At the Law Offices of Molly B. Kenny, the emotional, challenging aspects of divorce are no surprise. To help keep things simple, contact the Bellevue law office today at 425-460-0550.

Molly B. Kenny's Bellevue family law office is conveniently located on Lake Bellevue Drive, making it easily accessible to those in the greater Seattle area. Our divorce and child custody lawyers help men and women get the information, guidance, and compassionate representation they need.